There has been an increase in discussion and portrayal of masturbation in art, popular music, television, films, and literature. In the 18th and 19th centuries, some European theologians and physicians described it as 'heinous', 'deplorable', and 'hideous', but during the 20th century, these taboos generally declined. Masturbation has been depicted in art since prehistoric times, and is both mentioned and discussed in very early writings.
In the Western world, masturbation in private or with a partner is generally considered a normal and healthy part of sexual enjoyment. No causal relationship is known between masturbation and any form of mental or physical disorder. Various medical and psychological benefits have been attributed to a healthy attitude toward sexual activity in general and to masturbation in particular. Masturbation is frequent in both sexes and at any age.
Mutual masturbation is masturbation with a sexual partner, and may include manual stimulation of a partner's genitals ( fingering or a handjob), or be used as a form of non-penetrative sex. The stimulation may involve hands, fingers, everyday objects, sex toys such as vibrators, or combinations of these. Masturbation is the sexual stimulation of one's own genitals for sexual arousal or other sexual pleasure, usually to the point of orgasm. A woman masturbating by stimulating her vulva – Gustav Klimt's Woman seated with thighs apart (1916)
